A video card is a device that plugs into a computer's motherboard in order to provide additional computing power, specifically for 3-D graphics and effects. Upgrading a graphics card is one of the best ways to increase computer performance when trying to play games. Of course, before a new video card can be installed, older cards must be removed. It is useful to know remove a graphics card in order to put it in another different computer if necessary.
Instructions
1. Turn off the computer, unplug all cables and open the case with a screwdriver. Most cases open on the left side when viewed from the front, and have two to four screws holding the side panel in place.
2. Locate the video card. Your computer's motherboard is a large circuit board that will be aligned in the tower vertically, parallel with the sides of the case. The peripheral cards will be sticking out toward you from the motherboard, and will almost always be aligned parallel with the floor. Most computer's are set up so that the AGP and PCI express slots (the video card slots) are at the top of the peripheral slots, so your video card will probably be the circuit board highest up toward the top of your case. Look for the card plugged into a slot that is different in size and color from the other standard PCI slots.
3. Undo any locking mechanism and unscrew screws if applicable. Some video cards have a small plastic clip that locks them in place on the part of the slot toward the front of the case, similar to the clips on RAM memory chips. Pull the clamp toward you to unlock the card. Sometimes cards will be screwed in place, particularly near the back of the case where the slot cover would be.
4. Disconnect any power plugs. Some graphics cards have an extra power connector cord that is plugged into the power supply directly. If you notice a cord coming from your card, unplug it so it hangs freely.
5. Firmly grab the card at either end and pull straight out from the slot. Resting your knee on the edge of the case as it is lying on its side can make sure the case does not move. Another method is to jimmy the card back and forth, slowly working it out of the slot. Either way, the card should pop loose when enough pressure is applied.
Tags: video card, cards have, cards will, circuit board, computer motherboard